Rachel Nally Named to Beverage Information Group’s 40 Under 40
The Beverage Information Group offers an extensive range of information services and support to clients, addressing both on-premise and off-premise channels. Their services are tailored to meet the specific needs of the Beverage Alcohol industry, setting them apart with their exclusive focus on this sector.
Beverage Group SVP, Jeremy Nedelka, states, “These 40 young leaders represent every tier and channel of the beverage industry. Some are continuing a family legacy or growing within an organization, while others are entrepreneurs entering the beverage space with a fresh perspective. This next generation values community and questions everything. They acknowledge the changes ahead for beverage alcohol, as consumer tastes and regulatory standards shift. They’re up for the challenge and they are ready to lead.”
As the only Environmental Professional featured on the 40 Under 40 list, Rachel Nally has truly earned exceptional recognition for her outstanding achievements! Her unique expertise and leadership in sustainability set her apart as a trailblazer in her field.
Rachel has over a decade of experience advancing environmental sustainability in the spirits industry, with a strong focus on regulatory compliance and sustainable operations. She began her career in the legal field before transitioning to environmental compliance and geoscience. In 2014, she joined Shield Environmental Associates as a Staff Geologist, conducting environmental investigations. Rachel then moved to Brown-Forman in 2015, where she managed sustainability and compliance for distillery operations, eventually becoming Environmental Performance Senior Specialist.
Since 2019, Rachel has been the Director of Environment & Sustainability at Heaven Hill Brands, leading the implementation of the company’s 2030 Environmental Sustainability Strategy. Her work focuses on water efficiency, carbon emissions, waste, and conservation. Rachel’s background in geological sciences, coupled with her expertise in energy and environmental research, has made her a leader in the field. In 2024, she was appointed to the Board of Directors for the Kentucky Pollution Prevention Center by Governor Andy Beshear, further recognizing her contributions to environmental stewardship.
Over the past year, Rachel has significantly advanced Heaven Hill Brands’ sustainability efforts, positioning the company as an environmental leader in the spirits industry. Her leadership resulted in Heaven Hill receiving a Special Commendation in Water Preservation at the Global Drinks Intel ESG Awards and being named 2023 Sustainable Distiller of the Year for achievements in water usage and energy efficiency. In 2024, the company earned two ENERGY STAR designations, and its certification was reauthorized in 2025, underscoring Heaven Hill’s continued dedication to achieving its efficiency objectives.
Rachel introduced initiatives to reduce emissions and improve energy efficiency, including the installation of energy- and water-efficient systems at multiple facilities, such as the new Heaven Hill Springs Distillery. She ensured the distillery’s design aligned with Heaven Hill’s 2030 Environmental Sustainability Strategy, incorporating energy-saving insulation, a wastewater pretreatment system for energy recovery, and natural systems for stormwater management. Her leadership helped reduce greenhouse gas emissions by over 200 metric tons in 2024.
Additionally, Rachel spearheaded the Logger Education Program, the only one of its kind in the industry, and launched a company-wide employee engagement initiative to raise awareness and accountability around sustainability. Her data-driven approach and transformative projects have resulted in significant, measurable improvements in Heaven Hill’s environmental impact.
Congratulations to Rachel Nally for being named to the prestigious 40 Under 40 list! This incredible achievement is a testament to her unwavering commitment to sustainability and her leadership in advancing environmental practices within the spirits industry. Rachel’s visionary approach and relentless drive have not only propelled Heaven Hill Brands to the forefront of environmental stewardship but have also inspired countless others to follow her lead in making meaningful contributions to a more sustainable future. Her dedication to creating lasting, positive change is truly remarkable, and this recognition is well-deserved. Here’s to Rachel’s continued success and the lasting impact she will undoubtedly have on the industry and beyond!
